November 25, 2024

Air Conditioning Maintenance

we know how frustrating it can be when your car’s air conditioner isn’t working properly when it’s hot outside. Beyond uncomfortable, it can be borderline unbearable during peak summer months. We want to help you keep your cool at all times, so we’ve outlined the most common reasons your air conditioner may stop working and what to do about it.

When you experience cool–but not cold–air, it’s usually because of low refrigerant levels.

My Air Conditioning Feels Warm

If your air conditioning feels warm, here are some common issues that could be causing the problem:

  1. Dirty Air Filters: When the filters are clogged, it restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. Cleaning or replacing the filter may solve the issue.
  2. Thermostat Settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature and in cooling mode. Sometimes, it might be set to “heat” by accident.
  3. Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels due to a leak can make the air conditioner less effective. If the refrigerant is low, you might need to call a technician to top it off or fix any leaks.
  4. Frozen Coils: If the evaporator coils freeze up, it can prevent proper cooling. This is often due to restricted airflow (dirty filters or blocked vents) or low refrigerant.
  5. Compressor Issues: The compressor is crucial for the cooling cycle. If it malfunctions, it can result in warm air blowing out. A technician will need to inspect and possibly replace it.
  6. Blocked Vents: Ensure that the vents and ducts are clear of any obstructions. Poor airflow can reduce cooling effectiveness.
  7. Circuit Breaker or Electrical Issues: Check if the AC’s circuit breaker has tripped. If there’s an electrical issue, it may require professional attention.

If you’ve checked these and the problem persists, it might be best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect the system.

4o mini

No Airflow from Air Conditioning

When there’s no airflow coming to the cabin, there could be several issues. It’s not as simple to diagnose, and a trained technician will need to look at the different components in your air conditioner until they find exactly what’s wrong.

To begin, your  may look for:

  • A blown ventilation fuse: this is the power source for your blower motor, which functions as a fan by pushing air through your vents. A blown ventilation fuse means there’s no power going to the blower motor and airflow in the cabin.
  • Damage to the blower motor: if the power source is working, your Master Mechanic will check the blower motor for damage. Blower motors can stop working from regular wear or age and will need to be repaired or replaced.
  • A blocked air intake – your vehicle has two places where air enters: one on the exterior and one on the interior to recirculate air. If you have a blockage in either of these intake areas, airflow is prevented from reaching the cabin.
  • Damaged belts and hoses – Your car’s air conditioning system is comprised of many hoses and belts that keep it working correctly. If any component leaks, loosens, breaks or becomes blocked, you’re likely to notice a lack of airflow.

The Air Conditioning Smells Funny

When you expect refreshing, cold air, and are met with the musty smell of mould or mildew, it’s off-putting, to say the least. As you may have guessed, that smell is due to bacteria growth in your air conditioning or vents. This is a common issue in vehicles that don’t use their air conditioning often or have it off for prolonged periods. More moisture can also build up in systems that undergo excessive use or are on the maximum setting frequently. Bacteria, mould, and fungi that produce a bad odour can form on the evaporator behind the dashboard and blow through your vents.

The Air Conditioning Makes A Weird Noise

Your air conditioning systems should be relatively quiet when you turn it on. If you hear sudden noises, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong. Odd noises can be something as simple as debris clogged or caught in the unit; it can also indicate a more significant issue that isn’t as easy to repair.

If you hear a grinding or squealing sound, it may mean a bearing is word out and needs to be replaced. If you hear a rattling sound, it may mean that the clutch for the compressor has failed. Without hearing the sound, ourselves, it’s hard to diagnose what the issue is exactly.